Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

23.0K

Infection in severe asthma exacerbations and critical asthma syndrome

Christian E Sandrock1, Andrew Norris

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, Suite 3400, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA, cesandrock@ucdavis.edu.

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|July 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Infectious agents, especially viruses like rhinovirus and influenza, are key triggers for severe asthma exacerbations. Early empirical treatment with antibiotics and antivirals is crucial for managing these critical events.

Area of Science:

  • * Pulmonology and Infectious Diseases
  • * Respiratory Medicine
  • * Clinical Immunology

Background:

  • * Infectious agents are primary drivers of chronic persistent asthma and severe acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma (AEBA).
  • * Viral infections, including human rhinovirus-C, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza A, are prevalent threats in AEBA, particularly near-fatal and fatal cases.
  • * Bacterial infections and co-infections can also contribute to disease severity and poorer outcomes in hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of critical asthma syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the impact of major viral agents on severe asthma, including insights from the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
  • * To examine the role of bacterial infections in AEBA.
  • * To discuss the benefits of empiric antibiotic therapy and the utility of macrolides in managing both acute and chronic asthma.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review and synthesis of existing data on infectious triggers in asthma exacerbations.
  • * Analysis of clinical outcomes related to specific viral and bacterial pathogens.
  • * Evaluation of current treatment guidelines for empirical antimicrobial therapy in severe asthma.

Main Results:

  • * Viral agents are identified as predominant triggers in severe asthma exacerbations.
  • * Co-infections can worsen prognosis in hospitalized patients, leading to critical asthma syndrome.
  • * Empirical treatment strategies, including antibiotics (ceftriaxone, azithromycin) and antivirals (oseltamivir), are recommended for suspected infections in severe AEBA.

Conclusions:

  • * Prompt empirical treatment of suspected infections is vital in managing severe asthma exacerbations, especially in cases of critical asthma syndrome.
  • * Understanding the specific roles of viral and bacterial pathogens informs optimal therapeutic approaches.
  • * Further research into the efficacy of macrolides in asthma management is warranted.

More Related Videos

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression07:30

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

Published on: June 15, 2019

9.4K
Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes03:53

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes

Published on: April 19, 2024

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.5K
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
88
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
38
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
22
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.4K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K